In a game highlighting the very worst of football discipline as Sandep Singh was red carded for violent conduct during a fracas involving almost all the players, Desford scored three goals, but lost 3-1, writes Stewart Bint.

Two own goals and handing Blaby and Whetstone a gift-wrapped opportunity sealed Desford’s fate as their fortunes swung between high drama and a comedy of errors.

The game was barely 90 seconds old when Ryan Woolley outpaced his chaser to find himself one-on-one with Desford ‘keeper Guidas Gnedojus. Neither Gnedojus’s diverting hand nor Jimmy Costello’s valiant attempt to clear, could keep the ball out; Costello’s final touch going into the roof of the net.

But Desford were level eight minutes later; Sam Spence looping home from Man-Of-The-Match Carlos Branco’s well flighted cross.

Blaby dangerman Darren Wheeller was booked mid-way through the half for an outrageous Maradonna-style handball, which was more humorous than malicious, but came back to haunt him, when he picked up a second yellow and his marching orders, for hacking Gnedojus down.

But around 20 minutes before Wheeller’s second misdemeanour, almost all the players were involved in a fracas which delayed play for eight minutes, resulting in Singh seeing red, and Oren Blackman, along with Blaby’s Luke Read, going into the notebook.

Desford Manager Hilroy Benjamin said while it was a physical game, and the referee missed a number of strong tackles on his players, it reached a point where retaliation came to the fore, and everyone got involved. “It’s the unacceptable face of football. There was no need for it, and I’ll certainly be having words with Singh.”

Drama over, it was time for the next comedy act as Desford presented Blaby with their second gift, Shaun Hunt turning Chris Anastasi’s cross past his own ‘keeper on the near post.

Just before the curtain came down Gnedojus sliced his clearance on the heavy pitch and Anastasi gratefully made it three.